About The Founder
Remembering Nawal Kishore Anand: A Pioneer of Intellectual Property Law in India
The Acme Company was established in the year 1923 by Late Shri NK Anand’s father , Late Shri RP Anand, making it one of India’s oldest firms in the field.
Mr. Nawal Kishore Anand headed The Acme Company till his demise on 29th March 2023. His work earned him several accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Justice S.M. Krishnan, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to IP law.
He was also, the founding father of Anand and Anand and one of India’s first IP lawyers. A true visionary, he played a pivotal role in shaping India’s intellectual property (IP) jurisprudence at a time when the country was still developing a structured legal framework for IP protection.
A Legacy of Excellence in IP Law
After the enactment of the Trade and Merchandise Marks Act in the 1950s, Mr. Anand dedicated himself to trademark prosecution and dispute resolution, assisting clients across India. Called to the bar in 1956, he practiced IP law for over 65 years, leaving an indelible mark on the field. His contributions to Trademark, Copyright, and Patent law helped transform India from a jurisdiction known for lax IP enforcement to a country with a strong legal foundation in Intellectual Property Rights.
M. Chandrasekharan, former Additional Solicitor General of India, highlighted his influence:
“Mr. NK Anand was unquestionably one of the progenitors of IP litigation in the High Court of Delhi, and the IP bar, as it exists today, owes much to him.”
His career-defining moment came in the late 1950s, when he successfully represented an Indian company—now a leading multinational conglomerate—in a complex, precedent-setting case, cementing his reputation as a legal stalwart.
Senior advocate and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal described him as:
“An extraordinary lawyer and a humble, kind human being. His name is synonymous with India’s journey toward becoming an IP-strong nation.”
Contributions to Legal Literature and Thought Leadership
To further awareness and understanding of IP rights, Mr. Anand authored two seminal books:
Law Against Counterfeiting and Piracy
The Menace of Video Piracy
Justice Manmohan of the Delhi High Court remembered him as:
“A meticulous lawyer, student-like in his approach, and never aggressive in litigation. He was extremely well-read and a brilliant conversationalist.”
Professional Leadership and Recognitions
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Anand held several prestigious positions:
- Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Anand held several prestigious positions: Vice-President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association (1974-76)
- Member of the International Bar Association
- Member of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association
- Member of the Patent and Trademark Bar Association of ASSOCHAM
- Chairman of the AIPPI (Indian Group)
- President of the Intellectual Property Attorneys Association (IPAA)
As the Chairman of AIPPI (Indian Group) and President of IPAA, he played a crucial role in advancing IP policy discussions at national and international levels. His leadership helped integrate India into the global dialogue on intellectual property protection.
